Maintain Formula Links when Replacing All

Feature Request: Maintain Formula Links when Using Replace All

Summary:
Ensure that formula links and references remain intact when users perform a global “Replace All” operation on text, labels, or identifiers. The feature should intelligently update references rather than breaking or removing existing formula relationships.

Problem Statement:
When users apply “Replace All” to update repeated text (such as variable names, labels, or identifiers) that are used in formulas, the operation can break existing formula links. This forces users to manually inspect and repair impacted formulas, which is time-consuming, error-prone, and undermines confidence in calculated results. In complex models with many interdependent formulas, a single global replace can introduce hidden issues that are difficult to detect and resolve.

Proposed Solution:
Treat “Replace All” as a reference-aware operation that preserves formula integrity wherever possible. Specifically:

• Detect when the target text participates in formulas or linked references (e.g., cell references, named items, or expression tokens).

• When replacing text that appears in both labels and formulas, update corresponding formula tokens so that references remain valid instead of being removed or left pointing to non-existent items.

• Provide safeguards to prevent invalid formulas (e.g., warn or block replacements that would result in broken links, or highlight affected formulas for review).

• Offer a preview or summary of impacted formulas and links before confirming the Replace All, so users understand the downstream impact.

• If a safe automatic update is not possible, offer clear guidance or options (skip, update partially, or mark for manual review) rather than silently breaking references.

Benefits:

Preserves the integrity of complex models when performing global text updates.

Reduces manual rework required to fix broken formulas after a Replace All operation.

Lowers the risk of unnoticed calculation errors caused by invalid or missing references.

Increases user confidence in performing bulk updates across linked data.

Improves overall usability and safety of formula-driven workflows, especially in large or shared models.